Temp Gallery creates space for emerging artists, new collectors and those who appreciate art for reasons they can’t always articulate.
Rokeby Road is the latest location for Kate Parker’s Temp Gallery, a roving art exhibition and inspiration space that aims to bring many ‘green’ ingredients of the art sector together.
With many Perth galleries and cultural spaces downsizing, closing or changing remit in the past 10 to 15 years, Kate saw the need for undiscovered or ‘early career’ artists to present their work in a public forum. Whether they’re fresh out of university, stepping out of the hobbyist label or realising their niche, amazing artists need that first rung on the exhibition ladder which isn’t readily available.
“There’s been a gallery gap in the ecosystem that Temp is essentially aiming to fill,” Kate said. “Having a gallery with no fixed address also reduces high overheads so I can ensure most of the money goes to the artists, rather than running a gallery business.”
Previous iterations of Temp have been hosted in Northbridge, opening after work hours and weekends to capture the buzz of Northbridge’s café and bar scene. Kate recognised the huge potential of a Subiaco space with the influx of new bars, restaurants and events which have drawn a wide audience.
“We want to put art in people’s way, so it pops up within your daily life rather than just drawing crowds who are seeking it out,” Kate explained. “Subiaco has a history of being a place of creativity and having a strong hospitality scene, and it seems to be rediscovering its identity in that space again.”
The hospitality drawcard of Subiaco is paid heed in Temp’s theme for this exhibition At The Table, which examines the intersection between creativity and hospitality. The attending artists incorporate their interpretation of table culture in varying artistic formats.
“Subiaco has an amazing community of early career or previously hobby-based artists who are a part of this exhibition,” Kate said. “We have a mixture of painting, ceramics, illustrations and one artist will be presenting a kitchen series of her jewellery.”
The exhibition not only offers a space for emerging artists to sell their work or add an exhibition to their resumes, it creates the opportunity for new collectors to explore accessible art. Kate recognises Subiaco is filled with young families ready to dip their toes into the art scene and start to fill their new home’s blank walls.
“We’ll be partnering with local business owners to have a gin tasting and wine tasting within the gallery so you can come and experience the art alongside stuff you’re more familiar with,” Kate said. “Beyond that, we’ll also have a still life drawing class and art history talk to discuss the concept of ‘at the table’ to show more ways people can engage with art.”
Kate hopes Temp Gallery will break down the sometimes intimidating walls of the art space.
“People go to movies, live music or a show and offer their opinion with ease, but so often when you’re asked your opinion on art suddenly a wall comes up because people feel unqualified,” Kate said. “I want to hear what you like or don’t like about art, and you can articulate that in any way you want. Don’t like the colour? Cool, that’s legitimate! Art doesn’t require a formal, highly informed opinion.”
So, no matter what your ‘art and culture’ status might be, it’s irrelevant in Subiaco’s Temp Gallery. Kate’s waiting to hear your thoughts and just maybe, you might take a slice of Subiaco-inspired artwork home to enjoy beyond Temp’s time with us.
Temp Gallery Subiaco Artists
Chrissie Hogan
This Subiaco-based artist works in both painting and ceramics, which is predicted to appeal to a wide audience. Kate says you’ll be able to apply Chrissie’s work in a variety of interior settings. Her recent ‘Vessels’ collection was close to selling out and Kate predicts big things for her during and beyond her time at Temp.
Narelle Manser-Smith
Narelle’s exquisite work might not classify her as ‘emerging’, but she’s included in Temp Gallery as an important member of the Subiaco artists’ community. Her painting of still life and tablescapes are often based on her holiday experiences, and truly transport the observer to another, more blissful place, often with a glass of wine in view. Her work fits perfectly with the ‘At The Table’ theme and her presence will be more of a mentor in the Temp space.
Sultana Shamshi
Sultana creates divine jewellery with ‘found’ materials, which are largely natural. Her recent ‘kitchen series’ is a lovely synchronicity with the ‘At The Table’ theme, using common ingredients such as peppercorns and star anise to create her wearable art.
Yubin Choi
With a tattoo artistry background, Yubin is a Perth-based artist hailing from South Korea. Her illustrations are colourful and laden with detail, and come in smaller pieces at Temp which makes her art even more accessible for the new collector. Kate says Yubin’s art provide a sense of home, a lived-in space and ‘a real place in your heart’.
